Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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The reports in question relate to an allegation of abuse concerning a person with an intellectual disability who resided in a foster home in the South East for a period of 20 years from 1989 to 2009. Two reviews were commissioned by the HSE into the case. The HSE procured the services of Conal Devine to investigate the case and the services of Resilience Ireland to conduct a tracing and looking-back exercise in relation to all clients who had contact with the foster family concerned. Both reports were published in a redacted format by the HSE on the 28th February last. As part of the inquiry process, the assessed needs of all those affected have been reviewed and will continue to be reviewed on an ongoing basis.

Following consideration of the seriousness of the matters raised and public interest in the outcome of the reviews, the Government decided to establish a Commission of Investigation to investigate these matters further.

The HSE has also put in place a number of changes to take account of the service and management deficiencies identified. This includes the publication, in December 2014, of its national policy: Safeguarding Vulnerable Persons at Risk of Abuse – National Policy and Procedures. The implementation of the National Policy on Safeguarding Vulnerable People and the system-wide change programme across social care services is led by a National Task Force which is focused on ensuring quality and safety of all services through empowering and safeguarding vulnerable people.

As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.